Last time,he promised son a bicycle

Sushil was the only person from this mainly agricultural village in Unnao district to serve in the CRPF or any other security force. His death has sent a wave of shock and grief in the entire village. Dozens lined up at his home throughout Wednesday,paying tribute to the slain hero who was also an inspiration to many.

Sushil was recruited in the CRPF as a Constable in 1992. In 2008,he was promoted as Head Constable after serving in Nagaland,Assam,Uttar Pradesh,Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

He is survived by his wife Sunita (37),daughter Nidhi (9) and son Nikhil (7).  While Sunita is a ‘Shiksha Mitra’ currently teaching at Ishwarikheda Primary School,Nidhi studies in Class V and Nikhil in Class II.

An inconsolable Nidhi is shattered. “Two days ago,I spoke to him and it is simply unbelievable that he is no more.” When they last spoke,Sushil told his family members that he was on a major mission and would come to the village in June.

During the brief conversation with his father,Nikhil had requested his father to take him to Hardoi for summer vacation. “He had assured me to buy a bicycle and take me to Hardoi during our summer vacation,” said Nikhil.

Sushil last came to Korari Kala on a two-month leave in November 2009. Arun,his younger brother,said he did not even attend his marriage in February. “Though he was interested in attending my marriage,like a committed CRPF personnel he gave preference to his work,” said Arun.

According to Arun,joining the armed forces or paramilitary force was his brother’s childhood ambition. “No one from this village has ever served the armed forces or paramilitary force,and he always dreamt of being the first person to achieve the feat,” he added.  

Sushil’s childhood friend Nand Lal Chowdhary said his death was a major loss for the village. “Unlike other villagers,Deepak was a sportsman who always aimed to serve the country,” he said. “He was a livewire and whenever he was in Korari Kala,he prompted other youngsters to join CRPF and serve the nation.”